Stow away collapsible fish cleaner

Abstract

A collapsible fish cleaner in the form of a V-shaped trough or holding tray with integral ends that performs similarly to welded or molded fish cleaners to securely hold fish for cleaning on the outside of a boat. Seven integrally incorporated hinge assemblies allow the device to be folded completely flat without disassembly. The device is made ready by unfolding from the flat storage position to the V-shape. The hinges are an integral part of each of six parts interfacing with each other on seven axes in this design. In the use of the device, a support flange rests on the side gunwale of a boat, secured to the boat by a quick release connector.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA void exists in the market for a convenient and storable fish cleaning trough which works as well as others on the market, but when folded flat for storage takes up a minimal amount of room.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe collapsible fish cleaner is a seven piece aluminum unit with six sides, permanently affixed together by integral hinges and stainless hinge pins, and a support flange. The unit opens into a V-shaped trough with closed ends that allow fish to be placed in the trough without risk of sliding out either end. In one embodiment, a support flange and two strap and hook assemblies affix the unit to the gunwale of a boat. The secured unit allows cleaning a fish over the side of the boat and lets blood and small viscera drain through the hinge assemblies, outside of the boat, by way of the space at each bottom edge of the unit. The space is adequate for drainage, yet is small enough to prevent loss of normal knives and cleaning accessories through the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The collapsible fish cleaner is a seven piece aluminum unit with six sides, permanently affixed together by integral hinges and stainless hinge pins, and a support flange. The unit opens into a V-shaped trough with closed ends that allow fish to be placed in the trough without risk of sliding out either end. In one embodiment, a support flange and two strap and hook assemblies affix the unit to the gunwale of a boat. The secured unit allows cleaning a fish over the side of the boat and lets blood and small viscera drain through the hinge assemblies, outside of the boat, by way of the space at each bottom edge of the unit. The space is adequate for drainage, yet is small enough to prevent loss of normal knives and cleaning accessories through the drain notches.

The cleaner presents several advantages over others in the market. The unit folds flat for convenient storage, unlike other units which take up the bulk-space of the open trough dimensions. The unit has integral hinge assemblies which are part of the pieces which form the unit based upon the seven interlocking hinge interfaces, as an alternative to commercially produced hinges welded into the same positions. The drainage slots are configured so they do not allow loss of cleaning utensils such as standard fillet knives, gut spoons, and fish scaling tools. The unit provides a semi-raised position which aids in ease of cleaning the fish, and allows easier unhooking and release of those fish not intended to be kept.

The collapsible fish cleaner is a V-shaped trough or holding tray with integral ends that performs similarly to welded or molded fish cleaners to securely hold fish for cleaning on the outside of the boat. Seven integrally incorporated hinge assemblies allow the device to be folded completely flat without disassembly. The hinges are an integral part of each of six parts interfacing with each other on seven axes in this design. The device is made ready by unfolding from the flat storage position to the V-shape, with no assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the folded flat dimension is approximately 1.5 inches including the 1 inch support flange. The primary components are made of aluminum with stainless steel hinge pins making it strong and durable. The device rests on the side gunwale of a boat on the support flange, secured to the boat by web strap, a lever type harness clip, or other quick release connector.

Problems solved by technology

The drainage slots are configured so they do not allow loss of cleaning utensils such as standard fillet knives, gut spoons, and fish scaling tools.

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